Deep water soloing — Tim Emmett 'cutting loose' up to his next hold

Deep water soloing

Everything you need to know about this exhilarating form of climbing

Deep water soloing (DWS) is another form of pure climbing - no ropes, just you, your shoes and chalk. If you fall, you're in the water!

Here, expert contributor Mike Robertson takes you through everything you need to know about deep water soloing including advice for beginners, preparation, equipment, grading, training, falling off and much more.

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Starting out in deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

So you've seen the pictures and read all about deep water soloing; you've got a good basic understanding of rock climbing, and you want to get yourself started. Mike Robertson provides a few guidelines.
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Motivation for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

What motivates anyone to go deep water soloing? Mike Robertson takes an irreverent look at the extreme sport of DWS.
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History and ethics of deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

This article explores the history and ethics of deep water soloing, and the differences between DWS and the more regular representations of climbing, firstly tackling the general picture, and then discussing the individual's personal approach to DWS routes.
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Definitions in deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

From 'armchair landing' to 'body slap' to tide times, it's all explained here...
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Preparation for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

Mike Robertson runs through issues you need to consider before you even leave home, when you arrive at the venue, before climbing and when you are actually climbing.
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Climbing on loose rock when deep water soloing

by Tim Emmett

Most established deep water solo routes are fairly solid although with so many up and coming venues, you are quite likely to come across loose rock at some point. Climbing on this is an art and can be very dangerous if you get it wrong.
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Essential equipment for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

You need remarkably little kit to practise deep water soloing. Mike Robertson reminds you of the essentials.
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Grading for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

The subject of climbing grades in this country seems to instil fear in most foreign visitors, as they are used to more simple representation. While we are brought up on a diet of bizarre, over-complicated grades, that seem designed to thwart us. This article aims to establish the basis by which the grades applied to DWS came about and how they work.
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Falling off the rock when deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

Falling off is usually to be avoided in climbing but to deep water soloists it's crucial. The difference between falling off with cat-like style or tipping gracelessly like rubble off a dumper truck is the difference between laughing when you emerge or surfacing fully winded, slapped and breathless.
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Training for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

Training for DWS is more about psychology than physical strength or fitness. Of course, it helps to be a good climber, but you need to win the 'head game' too. Mike Robertson explains how.
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Expert's tips for deep water soloing

by Mike Robertson

If you're thinking that DWS looks like fun - then you're right! Just to help get you started and to make sure that you come back to do it again, here are some of my tips for deep water soloing.